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Thursday, December 9, 2010

Saving the Lost Children of Nepal

I received this book as an advanced electronic copy from the publisher through netgalley.com It will be released in January 2011

Synopsis: In need of some fun and adventure, 30-year-old Conor Grennan traded in his day job for a year-long trip around the globe, a journey that began with a three-month stint volunteering at the Little Princes Orphanage in war-torn Nepal. But what began as a lark became a passionate commitment that would transform the young American and the lives of countless others.

Within minutes of his arrival, Grennan was surrounded by a horde of gleeful boys and girls showering him with warm welcomes. Yet as he soon learned, the children’s cheery smiles belied years of pain and abuse, for many of the boys and girls at Little Princes were not orphans at all, but victims rescued from human traffickers. Moved by their plight, Grennan vowed that when his trip was over he would return to the children of Little Princes and eventually reunite them with their families—a promise he would risk his life to keep.

Little Princes is the powerful story of a soul’s awakening and a reflection of the noblest and darkest of human intent. It is a heartwrenching true tale of the power of optimism, love, and dedication to overcome greed, violence, and hate. And it is an unforgettable account of children, families, and one man whose decision to take a stand makes the world a better place for all of us.

Review: I don't have enough words to express how inspiring and real this book was. Conor Grennan started his journey to Nepal as a way to feel better about taking a year off to travel and what he found there inspired him. As someone who has visited orphanages abroad I can completely relate to many of Conors experiences. Children have amazingly resilient spirits and are overwhelmingly giving. Its very easy to be drawn in and moved by these children and while it may be hard to walk away its even harder to decide to do something to help. Conor decided to help, he started his own NGO and was determined to save the lost and trafficked children of Nepal. He didn't want kudos for this, he didn't do this for fame and fortune, he did this because he couldn't not do it.

His story is heartbreaking, inspiring and amazing. What started with just seven lost children became many many more. I think the most appealing part of this book is how Conor doesn't sugar coat his initial motives to go to Nepal, his total lack of experience with children and his frustration and lack of understanding of how things worked in Nepal. But he stayed with it and he is to be commended because mission is not an easy one and often leaves you heartbroken, distraught, frustrated and angry, but when things go well, it is inspiring, heartwarming, and filled with such incredible joy. It is people like Conor and the others who work with him that are helping to make this a better world. We need more people like Conor who are willing to take a risk and walk the hard path in order to do what is right.